Cipperly told he won't be coaching

Veteran Lansingburgh soccer, softball coach wants to know reason

Published 11:59 pm, Monday, July 21, 2014

John Cipperly, along with several members of the Lansingburgh athletic community, thought Monday evening's monthly board of education meeting would involve an outpouring of support for the suddenly embattled veteran varsity coach. That support was evident for Cipperly, he said, as several spoke in favor of his return. The plans to name a replacement were put on hold, yet it had nothing to do with the support for Cipperly.

A highly respected fixture in Section II coaching circles for nearly three decades in girls' soccer and softball, Cipperly characterized his recent days as disappointing. He said Lansingburgh athletic director Mike Harkin informed him last week he would not be recommended to return for his 28th varsity season as girls' soccer coach. A replacement for Cipperly was to be voted upon by members of the board Monday, but the candidate, however, withdrew from consideration.

The position is currently vacant and next month's scheduled board meeting is scheduled well after practice is set to begin.

"The whole thing totally blows me away how this thing was handled," Cipperly said. "It is so close to the start of the season, and no reason was given."

According to Cipperly, he met with Harkin on July 15. During that gathering, Cipperly said Harkin told him he would not be recommended to coach soccer and softball.

"He gave me no reason as to why myself or any of my people would not be allowed to coach," Cipperly said. "When I told him that was not good enough and that I wanted answers, he said he would talk to the superintendent (Cynthia DeDominick) and try to get me some answers. He sent me an email (Wednesday) saying that the board of education was going in a different direction."

Cipperly stated he was left the task of informing the JV and modified coaches, as well as volunteer assistants, they would not be retained. Coaching appointments are made on a yearly basis.

Attempts to reach Harkin Monday evening by the Times Union were unsuccessful.

Cipperly said he spoke with two members of the board of education that said they had no knowledge of wanting him replaced. He added DeDominick stated the position would be posted.